New Design Unveiled for Canadian Coast Guard Lifeboats

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Associate Minister of National Defence, and Randy Kamp, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today unveiled the new design for the next generation of Coast Guard lifeboats to be constructed as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. Funding for the building of these vessels was announced on June 26, 2013, as part of an investment of up to $488 million in the Coast Guard's fleet renewal.

"Our Government is taking action now to create economic opportunities for every sector of the Canadian shipbuilding industry," said Associate Minister Findlay. "I am proud that the design work for these vessels was done right here in Vancouver and that the contract for constructing the vessels will be open to shipyards across Canada. This is a good example of the benefits of our government's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy providing economic benefits across the country."

"Our Government has invested more in the Coast Guard than any other Government in Canadian history," said Parliamentary Secretary Kamp. "These new lifeboats will enable the Coast Guard to continue to uphold its commitment to the safety of all people on the water."

The completion of the design contract is the first step towards the construction of the next generation of Arun-class lifeboats. The design work for the lifeboats was completed by Robert Allan Ltd. of Vancouver, as the result of a $747,641 contract awarded in April 2012.

These shore-based self-righting lifeboats will be capable of operations up to 100 nautical miles from shore. This procurement will replace Coast Guard's existing Arun-type vessels which have an average age of 18 years.

These vessels are being built as part of the Government of Canada's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. Construction of the vessels is expected to begin as early as 2014, and the tender will be open to Canadian shipyards other than the two shipyards selected to build the large vessels.

Since 2009, over 100 new vessels have been built for the Coast Guard, including: 4 Hero-class Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels (CCGS Private Robertson V.C., CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C. and CCGS Corporal Teather C.V, and the CCGS Constable Carrière); the hovercraft CCGS Mamilossa; five Search and Rescue Lifeboats; two Specialty Vessels; three Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessels; 30 environmental barges; and 60 small craft.

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The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Associate Minister of National Defence, and Randy Kamp, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today unveiled the new design for the next generation of Coast Guard lifeboats to be constructed as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. Funding for the building of these new vessels was announced on June 26 as part of a $488 million investment in the Coast Guard's fleet renewal.